***Contains Spoilers***
Batgirl: Year One is a nine-issue miniseries from 2003, written by Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon, with art by Marcos Martin and Alvaro Lopez. It revisits Barbara Gordon’s origin story, chronicling her transformation from a determined, idealistic young woman into Gotham’s newest vigilante. The story dives into her struggle to be taken seriously as a crimefighter, her run-ins with villains Killer Moth and Firefly, and her dynamic with Batman and Robin as she finds her footing in the shadow of Gotham’s more established heroes.
What I loved most about this series is how well it serves as an origin for Barbara Gordon. It perfectly captures her resourcefulness, grit, and intelligence, which set her apart as a hero even before donning the cape and cowl. The creative team clearly understood Babs’ essence, crafting a story that makes you root for her as she carves out her place in Gotham’s crimefighting pantheon. The narrative is peppered with clever Easter eggs that foreshadow her future, from her role as Oracle to her connections to the Bat-family, all of which give the story an added depth and poignancy for longtime fans.
One of the highlights for me was her chemistry with Robin (Dick Grayson). Their partnership strikes a balance between playful banter and mutual respect, and it’s fun to see the seeds of their future relationship take root. The dynamic between Batgirl and Batman is equally compelling, as the Dark Knight struggles to accept this rookie vigilante who doesn’t fit into his carefully controlled vision for Gotham. It’s a fascinating exploration of mentorship, trust, and what it means to be a hero.
As for the villains, Killer Moth and Firefly might not be Gotham’s A-listers, but they’re used effectively here. Their team-up provides a solid threat for Barbara to face in her early days, and their somewhat comical nature makes them a good contrast to the more serious tone of Batman and Robin’s adventures. Killer Moth, in particular, adds a bit of levity to the story, which keeps it from becoming too heavy-handed.
That said, the series isn’t without its flaws. The pacing occasionally drags in the middle, with some moments feeling repetitive as Barbara faces skepticism from every angle. While the art is generally strong, with Marcos Martin’s clean lines and dynamic layouts capturing the energy of Babs’ early days, there are moments where the action sequences feel a bit cluttered, making it hard to follow the flow of the scene. Additionally, while the villains serve their purpose, they’re not particularly memorable, which makes some of the climactic moments fall a little flat.
Overall, Batgirl: Year One is an excellent origin story that does justice to one of DC’s most beloved characters. It’s a must-read for fans of Barbara Gordon and those who appreciate stories about underdogs proving themselves in a world that doubts them. While it has a few minor issues, the charm and heart of the story shine through, earning it a solid 4-star rating. I highly recommend it to both longtime Batgirl fans and newcomers looking to learn more about the character.
Feature Image Batgirl Year One #1 cover art by Marcos Martin, Alvaro Lopez, and Javier Rodriguez